Towson TKE temporarily suspended

Towson’s chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon has been temporarily suspended, according to the fraternity’s national office.

In an emailed statement, Alex Baker, chief information officer for Tau Kappa Epsilon’s national chapter, said that they are “investigating this alleged incident at Towson University.”

“We are fully cooperating with the university and police investigations,” the email said. “If these allegations are found to be true, we will address the allegation swiftly and with appropriate action.”

The emailed statement from TKE’s national office.

The Towson University Police Department is working with Baltimore County Police to investigate an off-campus incident involving a Towson student.

Corporal Shawn Vinson, a BCPD public information officer, confirmed there was such an investigation but said it was too early for any details.

According to Director of Media Relations Ray Feldmann, privacy issues are preventing the University from disclosing any more details at this time.

TUPD declined to offer further comment, instead deferring to Feldmann.

WBAL News Radio is reporting that the victim’s family contacted them, alleging that the male victim was “forced to eat cat food and a liquid he was told was vinegar and pickle juice by members of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity” on March 31.

According to WBAL’s report, the student started vomiting blood hours later and was taken to a nearby hospital later that day. Per WBAL’s report, the student is still in the hospital.

Feldmann added that Towson takes all allegations of hazing very seriously.

“Our hazing policy is very clear: Hazing is against the law and is strictly prohibited at Towson University,” he said.

In Maryland, hazing is codified as a misdemeanor, and if someone is convicted of hazing, they can face fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both.

At Towson University, if a student organization is found to have been participating in hazing, the entire organization can be held culpable.

The Towerlight will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.